Stop the Bail-Out for Irish Dog Tracks

GREY2K USAhas recently learned that the Irish government may use money received from an international rescue package to subsidize dog racing and also to explore an expansion of the Irish industry into China!

In 2009, the Bord na gCon, a semi-state body responsible for the control and development of the greyhound industry in Ireland, received €13.6 million in government subsidies. In 2010, it received €11 million. Now, this racing proponent is seeking another €15 million – in part from an EU-IMF bail-out fund intended to help the Irish people. This outrageous use of public funds must be stopped.

I urge you to stop directing public funds to support the commercial dog racing industry of Ireland.

In 2009, the Bord na gCon, a semi-state body responsible for the control and development of the greyhound industry in Ireland, received €13.6 million in government assistance. In 2010, it received €11 million. Now, it is seeking another €15 million – in part from an EU-IMF bail-out fund intended to help the Irish people.

In the United States, where commercial dog racing first began, greyhound racing is a dying industry and one that is now recognized for its cruelty to dogs. Each year, thousands of greyhounds are injured, and many die from their injuries. They suffer broken legs, broken backs, paralysis, cardiac arrest, seizures and more. Many others are simply destroyed for lack of homes.

Thankfully, since 2001, more than half of operating tracks in the U.S. have been shut down for live racing. The latest figures available from the Association of Racing Commissioners International show that the amount of money wagered on greyhound racing declined by 53% in the years 2002-2009. State revenue declined by more than 57% during this same period. Overall, commercial dog racing has experienced such a catastrophic decline that it now represents less than 1% of all wagers made each year in the United States.

As of 2011, dog racing is illegal in the majority of the United States. The Territory of Guam recently joined this humane trend, as have Jamaica and South Africa in refusing to legalize dog racing in the first place.

Please join the humane movement for greyhounds worldwide and suspend any support for this ugly activity in your lovely country.